Genesis 21:22 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the agreement between Abimelech and Abraham, and we see God making Abraham’s name great, just as he promised (Genesis 12:2). Though Abraham was a stranger and only a temporary resident among the Canaanites and Perizzites, his friendship was now sought and valued.

Abimelech, with Phichol, his chief officer and army commander, proposed this alliance. The reason was God’s favor toward Abraham: “God is with you in all you do, and we cannot help noticing it” (Genesis 21:22). God sometimes blesses his people so clearly that even their neighbors cannot miss it (Psalm 86:17). It is a good thing to have the friendship of those who are favored by God, and to keep company with people who walk with him (Zechariah 8:23; 1 John 1:3).

The agreement was for lasting peace and steady friendship between their families, with no breaking of trust on either side. To make it firm, they sealed it with an oath, calling on the true God as witness of their honesty and as judge if either side proved false (Genesis 21:23). Abimelech also wanted this promise to cover his children and his people. Those who know God’s favor should seek friendship with God’s people, not only for themselves, but for their children too.

Abimelech also reminded Abraham of the kindness he had already shown him. He said, in effect, “Treat me as I have treated you.” People who have received kindness should return it, and those who have shown kindness may reasonably expect it to be remembered.

Abraham agreed, because he saw that Abimelech was a man of honor and conscience, one who feared God. He said, “I will swear” (Genesis 21:24). Religion should not make people cold or hard to deal with. An honest man does not shrink from giving a solemn promise when it is needed, and an oath can serve as a proper confirmation.

Abraham also settled a matter about a well, because Abimelech’s servants had once argued with him over it. In that land, wells were valuable possessions, unlike in many places today, where water is not so scarce. Abraham gently brought the matter up to Abimelech (Genesis 21:25). If someone has wronged us, we should speak to them calmly and fairly so the matter can be settled (Matthew 18:15).

Abimelech replied that he did not know who had done it, and he cleared himself of the fault (Genesis 21:26). Many people are accused of unfairness or unkindness when they are innocent, and we should be glad when the truth comes out. A master should not be blamed for servants’ wrongs unless he knew of them and approved them. In the same way, an honest person should be ready to set things right as soon as he learns of a mistake.

Abraham then made sure his right to the well was settled clearly, so there would be no future dispute (Genesis 21:30). That is both wise and just. Good agreements should be remembered carefully, so they can be kept and not broken by accident.

He also gave Abimelech a fine gift, not something merely decorative, but useful and valuable, sheep and oxen (Genesis 21:27). This was Abraham’s way of thanking him and showing sincere friendship. When people exchange acts of kindness, their friendship grows stronger, and what belongs to one is freely shared with the other.

Finally, Abraham sealed the covenant with an oath and gave the place a new name, Beer-sheba, which means the well of the oath, to remember the promise they made there (Genesis 21:31). It may also mean the well of seven, referring to the seven lambs Abraham gave Abimelech as part of the agreement. Wise people remember their agreements, so they can keep their word and not fail through forgetfulness.